Denmark is embarking on an ambitious effort to restore its natural landscapes and reduce agricultural land use through large-scale tree planting. As part of the green tripartite agreement, the country aims to plant one billion trees. However, the strategy for integrating these trees into agriculture and the food system remains uncertain.
A new Danish-led study from Malawi suggests that trees can offer far more than just carbon sequestration — they can contribute to healthier diets, improve food security, strengthen local economies, and provide resilience against climate change. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen argue that Denmark could benefit from Malawi’s approach.
At first glance, Denmark and the southeastern African nation of Malawi have little in common. Yet, over the past 20 years, both countries have lost approximately 15% of their tree cover. In Denmark, this has prompted reforestation initiatives, but Malawi’s experience highlights additional benefits of trees that Denmark may want to consider.
Trees as a source of nutrition and security
The study, published in One Earth, focused on the role of trees in agricultural landscapes and their impact on women’s health in Malawi, where women are traditionally responsible for much of the farming. The findings indicate a significant correlation between tree density around households and improved dietary intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
“In Malawi, we see that women who have trees — such as fruit and nut trees — on their farmland consume a more nutrient-rich diet, including higher levels of iron, vitamin A, and zinc. This suggests that trees in agriculture contribute beyond climate benefits,” says postdoctoral researcher Emilie Claire Vansant, the study’s first author.
Malawi struggles with poverty and malnutrition, making the role of trees in local food security even more crucial. By providing edible products, trees diversify diets and reduce dependency on staple crops. The study found that trees like mango, guava, and various nut species not only improved nutrition but also created an additional source of income for farmers.
A historical parallel in Denmark
A century ago, trees were a natural part of Danish farms, integrated into landscapes through agroforestry systems that benefited both people and livestock. However, with agricultural industrialization, this tradition faded. Today, afforestation is often seen as competing with farming rather than complementing it.
“Historically, Denmark used trees as living hedgerows and part of farm management, but this practice has nearly disappeared. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider how trees can be reintegrated into farmland, such as through agroforestry systems,” says Laura Vang, an associate professor and co-author of the study.
Given this history, researchers argue that Denmark should carefully consider which tree species to plant as part of the green tripartite agreement. Rather than focusing solely on climate mitigation, tree planting efforts could incorporate species that provide additional benefits—such as edible crops that could support both biodiversity and the Danish food economy.
“One obvious approach could be to prioritize native species like walnut, hazelnut, and various fruit trees, which would not only support biodiversity and climate efforts but also contribute to Danish food culture and local economies,” Vansant adds.
Lessons from Malawi for a resilient future
Another reason Denmark might look to Malawi’s example is the role trees play in mitigating extreme weather events. During Cyclone Freddy in 2023, areas lacking tree cover suffered severe flooding and landslides, underscoring the importance of trees in preventing soil erosion and maintaining ecosystem stability.
“Deforestation increases the risk of drought, erosion, and extreme weather events. Integrating trees into fields and landscapes can create more resilient ecosystems,” says Vansant.
Given these insights, researchers suggest that Denmark should view its afforestation efforts as more than just a climate solution. Instead, the initiative could serve as a multifunctional tool for food production, economic growth, and environmental resilience.
“Malawi’s experiences demonstrates that agriculture and tree planting can go hand in hand. We often discuss how low-income countries can learn from Denmark, but in this case, the lesson may go the other way. Malawi has shown that afforestation can be deeply integrated into food system, economy, and social structure,” Vang concludes.
Journal Reference:
Emilie Vansant, Charlotte Hall, Bowy den Braber, Judith Kamoto, Matthias Geck, Florian Reiner, Laura Vang Rasmussen, ‘Multipurpose trees on farms can improve nutrition in Malawi’, One Earth 8, 2 (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2024.12.001
Article Source:
Press Release/Material by Faculty of Science | University of Copenhagen
Featured image credit: Maria Zardoya | Unsplash
